· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt · Submit a Review / Article Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User You are not logged in. [Login] Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Astrophotography and Sketching >> Sketching Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 Gandalf223 sage Reged: 11/04/07 Loc: Willamette Valley, Oregon Saturn, 40 years (or so) later       #2953699 - 02/27/09 07:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Last night was the first time I have viewed Saturn in 40 years (give a take a year; the last time was in the late 1960's.) With an unfamiliarity built up over decades, not to mention somewhat better optics, it was a jaw-dropping experience. I saw three of Saturn's moons (Titan, Rhea and Tethys,) three cloud bands (maybe; what I saw as a band at the equator might have been clouds, the rings or both) and for a short period of perfect seeing I actually saw dark space through the gap between planet and rings, even with the rings tilted only 2°. A lot of the features came and went, trading off as the seeing changed. Titan was obvious of course. Tethys, once spotted, was also constant, but Rhea waited a while to be noticed. Banding in Saturn's clouds were nigh invisible until my fingers were starting to stiffen. I suppose that was while my eyes got whatever dark adaptation is possible in the backyard. The gap through the ring was the most fleeting, lasting only a couple of minutes (if that) before reverting to a subtle variation in brightness in the line that the ring mostly assumed. I don't know how you guys, in places where it really does get cold, manage to do any of this stuff in winter. An hour outside at our balmy 36F and I was ready to cry uncle. Post Extras:       frank5817 Postmaster Reged: 06/13/06 Loc: Illinois Re: Saturn, 40 years (or so) later [Re: Gandalf223]       #2953748 - 02/27/09 08:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Alan, Great sketch after 40 years. Saturn is always impressive no matter how much time has passed. This is a great time to follow those moons with that slight ring tilt. I am happy that it will still be in the night sky as the weather begins to warm soon. Frank Post Extras:       rodelaet Post Laureate Reged: 04/28/06 Loc: 50°56' N - 4°58' E (Belgium) Re: Saturn, 40 years (or so) later [Re: frank5817]       #2963456 - 03/04/09 02:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Alan, A fine sketch! I like how you presented the little moons in relation to Saturn. Very nice work. Keep up the good work, and... dress warmer. Post Extras:       CarlosEH Postmaster Reged: 01/19/05 Loc: Pembroke Pines, Broward County... Re: Saturn, 40 years (or so) later [Re: rodelaet]       #2964768 - 03/05/09 05:22 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Alan, A very nice observation of Saturn. The ringed planet looks great now as forty years ago. The best of luck in your future observations. Carlos Post Extras:       markseibold Carpal Tunnel Reged: 01/19/08 Loc: Portland Oregon Re: Saturn, 40 years (or so) later [Re: Gandalf223]       #2966241 - 03/05/09 07:23 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Alan A very realistic rendering as to the same level of seeing that I witnessed lately on cold windy nights from east Portland. I am equally impressed that a local astronomer to my area is even here in CN! Good to see something from a fellow Oregonian! Keep up the good work, Mark Post Extras:       Pages: 1 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 0 registered and 5 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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